Alfred McAlpine civils back to two divisions

Just three months after announcing that its two civil engineering businesses, east and west, were to be merged and headed up by Terry O'Connor, Alfred McAlpine has reviewed the position for a second time and civils will revert to being two distinct businesses.

Andy White took charge of civils last October and announced in January this year that he was reviewing its business structure. White's changes, announced in March, involved the amalgamation of the east and west divisions.

Derek McCormack, who had headed the west division was passed over and left McAlpine, while civils boss in the east Brian Melling was offered a temporary post prior to his imminent retirement. As a result, the reins were handed to O'Connor, who previously had been a regional director on the western civils board.

The development surprised some staff because by the time White's plan was announced it was already known that he was leaving - Ray O'Rourke having invited him to head up Laing Construction.

Mat Swan, who took over White's post in April, set about his own review and the results, announced a couple of weeks ago, will see civils being split in two again. O'Connor gets the post of managing director of the west and McAlpine is currently looking for a counterpart for the east.